Memory devices receive a data signal and an accompanying data strobing signal, which informs the device that data is ready for latching. The data strobing signal enables capturing the data while the data signal transitions from a logic high to a logic low or vice versa, resulting in an indeterminate output (e.g., between 0 and 1). The indeterminate value may cause metastability in memory operations using the indeterminate output. To prevent or reduce metastability, a cascaded timing arbiter latch includes cascaded alternating NAND timing arbiters and NOR timing arbiters. In some embodiments, these logic gates are connected to transistors above and below the cascaded timing arbiters. The cascaded timing arbiters and/or transistors provide amplification on a feedback path of the latch. In other embodiments, the cascaded timing arbiters are isolated by inverters and are not connected to transistors. This embodiment reduces capacitive loading on nodes of the internal feedback path.
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1. A memory device, comprising: a latch configured to receive a data signal and a data strobe clock signal to latch an output data signal, wherein the data signal changes logic states while the data strobe clock signal is in a logic high state to enable latching data from the data signal, wherein the latch comprises: a plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters comprising a plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates; and a plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters comprising a plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates, wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters alternate, and wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters are configured to receive the data signal and the data strobe clock signal to provide the output data signal.
This invention relates to a memory device with an improved latch circuit for high-speed data capture. The problem addressed is the need for reliable data latching in memory devices where data signals change logic states during the active phase of a data strobe clock signal. Traditional latches may fail to capture data correctly when the data signal transitions while the clock is high, leading to metastability or incorrect data output. The memory device includes a latch circuit designed to handle such scenarios. The latch receives a data signal and a data strobe clock signal, where the data signal may change logic states while the clock is in a high state. The latch ensures proper data capture by using a combination of NAND-type and NOR-type timing arbiters. These arbiters consist of cross-coupled NAND and NOR gates, respectively, arranged in an alternating sequence. The NAND-type arbiters and NOR-type arbiters work together to process the data and clock signals, ensuring the output data signal is correctly latched even when the input data changes during the clock's active phase. This design improves data integrity in high-speed memory operations by mitigating metastability risks.
2. The memory device of claim 1 , the latch comprising: a plurality of transistors configured to enable a feedback path from an output of a first NAND gate of the plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates to an input of a second NAND gate of the plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates.
This invention relates to memory devices, specifically to a latch circuit design within such devices. The problem addressed is improving the stability and performance of latches in memory circuits, particularly in maintaining data integrity during read and write operations. The latch includes a plurality of transistors that establish a feedback path between cross-coupled NAND gates. The feedback path connects the output of a first NAND gate to the input of a second NAND gate, enhancing the latch's ability to retain data by reinforcing the logical state. The cross-coupled NAND gates form a bistable circuit, where the feedback ensures that the output remains stable once set, preventing unintended state changes due to noise or transient signals. The transistors in the feedback path are configured to control the strength and timing of the feedback signal, optimizing the latch's response time and power efficiency. This design is particularly useful in memory devices where latches are used to temporarily store data during read or write cycles, ensuring reliable operation under varying operating conditions. The feedback mechanism improves the latch's robustness against disturbances, making it suitable for high-speed and low-power memory applications. The overall structure ensures that the latch can quickly and accurately capture and hold data, reducing errors and improving system performance.
3. The memory device of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of transistors are coupled to the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters, the plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters, or a combination thereof.
This invention relates to memory devices with improved timing arbitration for data access. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable timing control in memory systems, particularly in managing concurrent read and write operations to prevent conflicts and ensure data integrity. The invention provides a memory device with a timing arbitration system that includes both NAND-type and NOR-type timing arbiters. These arbiters are used to control access to memory cells by multiple transistors, ensuring that only one operation is permitted at a time when conflicts arise. The NAND-type arbiters generate a signal that allows access only if all input conditions are met, while NOR-type arbiters generate a signal that allows access if any input condition is met. The transistors are coupled to either the NAND-type arbiters, the NOR-type arbiters, or a combination of both, depending on the specific timing requirements of the memory device. This flexible coupling allows for optimized performance based on the memory architecture and operational needs, reducing contention and improving overall system efficiency. The invention enhances memory access control by dynamically managing timing conflicts, ensuring reliable data handling in high-performance memory systems.
4. The memory device of claim 1 , the latch comprising: a plurality of transistors configured to enable a feedback path from an output of a first NOR gate of the plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates to an input of a second NOR gate of the plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates.
This invention relates to memory devices, specifically to a latch circuit design within a memory device that improves data retention and stability. The latch includes a plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates, where a feedback path is established from the output of a first NOR gate to the input of a second NOR gate via a plurality of transistors. This feedback path enhances the latch's ability to maintain stable data states by reinforcing the output signals and reducing susceptibility to noise or disturbances. The transistors in the feedback path are configured to selectively enable or disable the feedback based on operational conditions, ensuring reliable data storage and retrieval. The cross-coupled NOR gates form a bistable circuit, where the feedback path further strengthens the latch's ability to hold a logic state without unintended flipping. This design is particularly useful in memory devices where data integrity and low-power operation are critical, such as in embedded memory or cache systems. The latch's improved stability and noise immunity contribute to more reliable memory operations, reducing errors and improving overall system performance.
5. The memory device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters are disposed in a cascaded structure.
A memory device includes a plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and a plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters arranged in a cascaded structure. The NAND-type timing arbiters generate timing signals based on logical NAND operations, while the NOR-type timing arbiters generate timing signals based on logical NOR operations. The cascaded structure allows the arbiters to sequentially process and propagate timing signals, ensuring synchronized control of memory operations. This configuration improves timing accuracy and reduces signal interference by isolating timing paths. The memory device may be used in high-speed applications where precise timing control is critical, such as in processors, memory controllers, or data storage systems. The cascaded arrangement enhances scalability and flexibility, enabling the device to adapt to varying timing requirements. By combining NAND and NOR-type arbiters, the device achieves robust timing management, minimizing delays and improving overall system performance.
6. The memory device of claim 1 , wherein the output data signal is a logic 1 or a logic 0.
A memory device is disclosed that includes a memory cell array, a read circuit, and a data output circuit. The memory cell array stores data in memory cells, each cell configured to hold a binary state. The read circuit retrieves stored data from the memory cells and generates an output data signal representing the retrieved data. The data output circuit processes the output data signal to produce a final output that is either a logic 1 or a logic 0, corresponding to the binary state of the accessed memory cell. The device may include additional circuitry to amplify, buffer, or otherwise condition the output data signal before final transmission. The memory device is designed to ensure reliable data retrieval by converting the raw signal from the memory cell into a standardized logic level, improving signal integrity and compatibility with external systems. The invention addresses challenges in memory read operations, such as signal degradation or noise, by providing a clear, binary output that minimizes errors in data interpretation. The memory device may be used in various applications, including digital storage systems, processors, and embedded memory modules, where accurate and efficient data retrieval is critical.
7. The memory device of claim 1 , wherein the alternating plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters and the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters are arranged to amplify gain of the data signal, the data strobe clock signal, or a combination thereof, using a feedback mechanism of the respective plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates and the respective plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates.
This invention relates to memory devices, specifically addressing signal amplification in memory circuits. The problem solved is the degradation of data signals and data strobe clock signals during transmission, which can lead to errors in data retrieval. The solution involves an arrangement of NOR-type and NAND-type timing arbiters that amplify these signals using a feedback mechanism. The memory device includes an alternating arrangement of NOR-type and NAND-type timing arbiters. Each NOR-type timing arbiter consists of a plurality of cross-coupled NOR gates, while each NAND-type timing arbiter consists of a plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates. These arbiters are positioned to amplify the data signal, the data strobe clock signal, or both. The amplification is achieved through a feedback mechanism inherent in the cross-coupled gate structures. The NOR-type arbiters and NAND-type arbiters work together to ensure signal integrity by compensating for signal attenuation during transmission, thereby improving reliability in memory operations. This arrangement helps maintain signal strength and timing accuracy, which is critical for high-speed memory operations.
8. The memory device of claim 7 , wherein the amplification of the data signal, the data strobe clock signal, or a combination thereof, reduces metastability of the output data signal.
This invention relates to memory devices, specifically addressing metastability issues in data signal amplification. Metastability occurs when a signal transition is too close to a clock edge, causing unreliable data capture. The invention improves signal integrity by amplifying data signals, data strobe clock signals, or both, to mitigate metastability in the output data signal. The amplification process ensures that signal transitions are sufficiently distinct, reducing the likelihood of ambiguous or unstable states during data transmission. This enhancement is particularly useful in high-speed memory systems where precise timing is critical. The amplified signals provide clearer differentiation between valid and invalid states, improving data reliability. The invention may be implemented in various memory architectures, including DRAM, SRAM, or other volatile memory types, where signal integrity is paramount. By reducing metastability, the invention enhances overall system performance and reduces errors in data processing. The amplification technique can be applied to individual signals or combined signals, depending on the specific requirements of the memory system. This approach ensures robust data transfer, even under challenging operating conditions.
9. A method to prevent metastability in an input/output (IO) circuitry of a memory device comprising a latch, comprising: receiving a latched output signal; determining whether the latched output signal is a logic 0 or a logic 1; in response to determining that the latched output signal is not a logic 0 or a logic 1, determining whether a memory operation associated with the latch is to avoid capacitive loading on an internal feedback path of the latch; and in response to determining that the memory operation is to avoid the capacitive loading, using a cascaded timing arbiter latch with at least one timing arbiter and at least one inverter to minimize the capacitive loading.
This invention relates to preventing metastability in input/output (IO) circuitry of a memory device, specifically addressing the issue of unstable or indeterminate output signals from a latch. Metastability occurs when a latch receives an input signal too close to its switching threshold, causing the output to oscillate or remain in an intermediate state rather than settling to a stable logic 0 or 1. This can lead to data corruption or system failures in memory operations. The method involves monitoring the output of a latch to detect metastability by determining whether the latched signal is a valid logic 0 or 1. If the signal is neither, the system assesses whether the associated memory operation requires minimizing capacitive loading on the latch's internal feedback path. If so, a cascaded timing arbiter latch is employed, which includes at least one timing arbiter and at least one inverter. This design reduces capacitive loading, ensuring faster resolution of metastable states and improving signal stability. The timing arbiter helps synchronize the signal, while the inverter further stabilizes the output. This approach is particularly useful in high-speed memory systems where metastability can disrupt data integrity.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the cascaded timing arbiter latch comprises a plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters, wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters are disposed in a cascaded structure and alternating with a plurality of inverters.
This invention relates to digital timing circuits, specifically a cascaded timing arbiter latch designed to resolve timing conflicts in high-speed digital systems. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable timing arbitration in circuits where multiple signals must be synchronized without race conditions or metastability. Traditional arbiter circuits often suffer from complexity, power consumption, or limited scalability, particularly in high-frequency applications. The invention describes a cascaded timing arbiter latch that includes multiple NAND-type timing arbiters arranged in a cascaded structure. These arbiters are interleaved with inverters to ensure proper signal propagation and timing resolution. The NAND-type arbiters function as decision-making elements that resolve contention between input signals, while the inverters maintain signal integrity and timing alignment across the cascade. This configuration allows for scalable and low-power timing arbitration, suitable for high-performance digital systems where multiple signals must be synchronized with minimal delay and power overhead. The cascaded design improves reliability by reducing the likelihood of metastability and ensuring deterministic signal resolution. The overall structure is optimized for high-speed operation while maintaining low power consumption, making it particularly useful in modern integrated circuits where timing precision is critical.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the memory operation comprises a write leveling (WL) operation.
A method for performing memory operations in a non-volatile memory system, particularly addressing the problem of maintaining data integrity and performance over time. The method involves executing a write leveling (WL) operation, which is a technique used to distribute write operations evenly across memory cells to prevent wear and extend the lifespan of the memory device. Write leveling ensures that no single memory cell or block is subjected to excessive write cycles, which can lead to degradation and data loss. The method may also include other memory operations such as read, erase, or program operations, but the focus here is on the write leveling process. By implementing write leveling, the memory system can achieve more uniform wear across memory cells, improving reliability and longevity. This is particularly important in flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs), where repeated write operations can cause physical wear on the memory cells. The method may be part of a broader memory management system that optimizes performance and endurance in storage devices.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the latched output signal comprises an indeterminate output value, wherein the indeterminate output value comprises a value between a logic 0 and a logic 1.
This invention relates to digital circuit design, specifically addressing the issue of indeterminate output values in latched signals. In digital systems, latches are used to store and output data, but under certain conditions, such as during power-up or metastability, the output signal may enter an indeterminate state where it is neither a stable logic 0 nor a stable logic 1. This indeterminate state can cause errors in downstream logic circuits, leading to system malfunctions. The invention describes a method for handling such indeterminate output values in a latched signal. The method involves detecting when the latched output signal is in an indeterminate state, where the output value is between a logic 0 and a logic 1. This detection can be achieved through voltage level sensing or other means. Once detected, the system can take corrective action, such as resetting the latch, forcing a known state, or triggering an error-handling routine. The method ensures that the latch output remains within valid logic levels, preventing propagation of unstable signals to other parts of the circuit. This approach improves system reliability by mitigating the risks associated with metastability and power-up conditions. The technique is particularly useful in high-speed or noise-sensitive digital circuits where indeterminate states are more likely to occur.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the method comprises: in response to determining that the memory operation is not to avoid capacitive loading, using a cascaded timing arbiter latch with a plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and a plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters, wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of NOR-type timing arbiters alternate in a cascaded architecture.
This invention relates to memory systems and addresses the challenge of managing capacitive loading in memory operations to improve timing accuracy and efficiency. The method involves a cascaded timing arbiter latch designed to handle memory operations where capacitive loading cannot be avoided. The latch incorporates a series of NAND-type and NOR-type timing arbiters arranged in an alternating, cascaded architecture. The NAND-type arbiters and NOR-type arbiters work together to arbitrate timing signals, ensuring precise synchronization in memory operations. This cascaded structure allows for efficient signal propagation while minimizing signal degradation and delay, which is critical in high-speed memory systems. The alternating arrangement of NAND and NOR arbiters helps balance signal integrity and timing accuracy, particularly in scenarios where capacitive loading is unavoidable. The method ensures reliable memory access by dynamically adjusting timing arbitration based on operational conditions, thereby enhancing performance and reducing errors in memory operations.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the cascaded timing arbiter latch comprises five stages of timing arbiters.
A system and method for high-speed data processing involves a cascaded timing arbiter latch used to synchronize and arbitrate timing signals in digital circuits. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing control in high-frequency digital systems, where signal synchronization and arbitration are critical for reliable operation. The invention provides a cascaded timing arbiter latch with multiple stages to improve timing resolution and reduce signal contention. The latch includes five stages of timing arbiters, each stage sequentially processing timing signals to ensure accurate synchronization. Each timing arbiter stage compares input signals and generates output signals based on predefined timing criteria, allowing the system to handle multiple data streams efficiently. The cascaded structure enhances the overall timing accuracy and reduces latency, making it suitable for high-performance computing and communication applications. The system can be integrated into various digital circuits, including processors, memory controllers, and network interfaces, to improve timing coordination and data integrity. The invention ensures that timing signals are properly synchronized, minimizing errors and improving system reliability.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein each of the five stages of timing arbiters corresponds to an amount of signal amplification of input signals.
A system and method for signal processing involves a timing arbiter circuit with five stages, each stage corresponding to a specific level of signal amplification for input signals. The circuit is designed to handle high-speed signal processing, particularly in applications where precise timing and amplification control are critical, such as in communication systems, data transmission, or signal conditioning. The five-stage timing arbiter ensures that input signals are amplified in a controlled manner, reducing noise and distortion while maintaining signal integrity. Each stage of the arbiter is configured to amplify the input signals by a predetermined amount, allowing for gradual and precise signal enhancement. This staged amplification approach helps mitigate signal degradation that can occur in high-frequency or high-speed signal processing environments. The system may be integrated into larger signal processing architectures, such as analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, or other signal conditioning circuits, to improve overall performance and reliability. The method ensures that signals are processed with minimal latency and maximum accuracy, making it suitable for applications requiring high precision and low error rates.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the cascaded timing arbiter latch comprises a plurality of transistor bridges connected above and below each of the stages of timing arbiters.
This invention relates to timing arbitration in digital circuits, specifically addressing the challenge of synchronizing signals in high-speed or complex systems where multiple timing paths must be resolved efficiently. The method involves a cascaded timing arbiter latch that improves signal synchronization by incorporating a plurality of transistor bridges. These bridges are strategically placed above and below each stage of the timing arbiters, enhancing signal integrity and reducing latency. The transistor bridges act as conductive pathways that facilitate faster signal propagation and minimize signal degradation across multiple arbitration stages. This configuration ensures that timing conflicts are resolved more effectively, particularly in systems where multiple signals must be prioritized or synchronized. The cascaded structure allows for scalable implementation, accommodating varying levels of complexity in timing arbitration tasks. By integrating the transistor bridges, the system achieves lower power consumption and higher reliability compared to traditional arbitration methods. The overall design is optimized for applications requiring precise timing control, such as high-performance computing, telecommunications, and advanced digital signal processing.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of transistor bridges enable feedback paths to provide additional amplification to input signals that input into the latch.
This invention relates to electronic circuits, specifically to a method for enhancing signal amplification in a latch circuit using transistor bridges. The problem addressed is the need for improved signal amplification in latch circuits, particularly to strengthen weak or degraded input signals before they are processed by the latch. The solution involves incorporating a plurality of transistor bridges within the latch circuit to create feedback paths. These feedback paths provide additional amplification to input signals, ensuring that the latch receives stronger, more reliable signals for processing. The transistor bridges are configured to dynamically adjust the amplification based on the input signal strength, optimizing performance across varying signal conditions. This approach enhances the latch's sensitivity and reliability, making it suitable for applications requiring high-precision signal processing, such as in communication systems, memory circuits, and sensor interfaces. The feedback paths are designed to minimize noise and distortion while maximizing signal integrity, ensuring accurate data capture and processing. The invention improves upon traditional latch designs by integrating active feedback mechanisms, which adaptively amplify input signals to meet the latch's operational requirements. This method is particularly useful in environments where signal degradation is a concern, such as in high-speed or low-power applications.
18. A memory device, comprising: a latch configured to receive a data signal and a data strobe clock signal to latch an output data signal, wherein the latch comprises: a plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters comprising a plurality of cross-coupled NAND gates; and plurality of inverters, wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of inverters alternate and are disposed in a cascaded architecture, wherein the plurality of NAND-type timing arbiters and the plurality of inverters are configured to receive the data signal and the data strobe clock signal to provide the output data signal.
A memory device includes a latch designed to receive a data signal and a data strobe clock signal to generate an output data signal. The latch comprises multiple NAND-type timing arbiters and multiple inverters arranged in an alternating, cascaded architecture. Each NAND-type timing arbiter consists of cross-coupled NAND gates, which work in conjunction with the inverters to process the input signals. The cascaded structure ensures that the data signal and the data strobe clock signal are synchronized and properly latched to produce the output data signal. This design improves timing accuracy and reliability in memory operations by leveraging the cross-coupled NAND gates and inverters to arbitrate signal timing. The alternating arrangement of NAND-type arbiters and inverters in a cascaded configuration enhances signal integrity and reduces timing errors, making the latch suitable for high-speed memory applications.
19. The memory device of claim 18 , wherein the latch aligns a phase of an input domain clock associated with the data strobe clock signal to an output domain clock associated with a different clock signal.
This invention relates to memory devices, specifically addressing clock domain alignment in data transfer operations. The problem solved is the synchronization of data between different clock domains, particularly when transferring data using a data strobe clock signal. The memory device includes a latch that aligns the phase of an input domain clock, which is associated with the data strobe clock signal, to an output domain clock associated with a different clock signal. This ensures proper timing and synchronization between the input and output domains, preventing data corruption or loss during transfer. The latch may be part of a larger synchronization circuit that manages clock domain crossing, ensuring reliable data transmission. The invention is particularly useful in high-speed memory systems where precise timing alignment is critical for performance and stability. By aligning the phases of the input and output domain clocks, the memory device ensures that data is correctly captured and transmitted without timing errors. This solution is applicable in various memory architectures, including DRAM, SRAM, and other high-speed memory interfaces.
20. The memory device of claim 18 , wherein the latch comprises a falling edge triggered D-type latch.
A memory device includes a latch circuit designed to capture and store data signals. The latch is specifically configured as a falling edge-triggered D-type latch, meaning it captures the input data signal (D) on the falling edge of a clock signal. This type of latch ensures that data is latched only when the clock transitions from high to low, providing precise timing control in memory operations. The latch may be part of a larger memory system, such as a register file or cache, where accurate data synchronization is critical. The falling edge-triggered design helps reduce timing errors and improves data integrity by avoiding race conditions that can occur with rising edge-triggered latches. The latch may also include additional circuitry, such as a clock buffer or reset logic, to enhance performance and reliability. This configuration is particularly useful in high-speed memory applications where precise timing and low latency are essential.
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February 4, 2020
March 1, 2022
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